Lincoln Grey is summoned to Ozpin's office and assigned a discreet mission: find the elusive Raven Branwen (Yang Xiao Long's mother), learn what she's doing near Vale, and-if possible-pass along Ozpin's message that Beacon could use her help. Ozpin emphasizes diplomacy over force and asks Lincoln to keep Yang's safety in mind. Before Lincoln departs, Team RWBY confronts him in the courtyard. Yang, anxious and conflicted, asks him to find out why Raven saved her during the Mountain Glenn train incident but still wouldn't speak to her. Lincoln promises to try. Out in the forests beyond Mountain Glenn, Lincoln tracks signs of recent travel and fights off several Beowolves, using his time-slowing semblance and pistol-blade weapons. Hearing a larger battle, he discovers Raven fighting a powerful Grimm. When an Alpha Beowolf attacks Raven from behind, Lincoln intervenes, and the two briefly team up to kill it. Lincoln introduces himself as Yang's friend and admits Ozpin sent him. Raven is hostile at first, but softens when Yang is mentioned and ultimately removes her mask, showing trust. She portals Lincoln to her bandit camp, where they talk more privately. Raven explains she keeps her distance because she believes being in Yang's life would only bring danger; saving Yang was an impulsive act of instinct, and she fears giving Yang "hope" she can't fulfill. Lincoln argues Yang deserves closure and urges Raven to meet her at least once. Raven agrees to consider it. Their tension shifts into flirtation, and Raven unexpectedly kisses Lincoln, then abruptly returns to business. She portals him back near Beacon's outskirts, thanks him, and asks him to tell Yang she's watching over her and will see her again "when the time is right." Lincoln heads back to report-planning to share the important parts with Yang, while keeping some personal details to himself.

Ichigo wakes up badly injured after fighting Kenpachi to a draw and passing out from a stomach wound. Yoruichi has rescued him, forces him to rest, and then reveals a long-kept secret about her true identity, which completely throws Ichigo off. A massive burst of spiritual pressure alerts them that Byakuya is moving, so Ichigo rushes out despite his condition to protect Hanataro and Rukia-but the attempt goes poorly. Yoruichi intervenes, prevents Byakuya from finishing them, and knocks Ichigo out to carry him to safety. Afterward, Yoruichi offers Ichigo a way to get stronger in just three days and begins training him toward Bankai. The excerpt ends with Ichigo recovering in a hot spring during training, only to be startled when Yoruichi joins him, reigniting his embarrassment and tension.